Perspective

I know you have all heard the saying referring to a glass as either half full or half empty.  Always hearing that it is the persons perspective as to whether or not the glass is full or empty.

I always considered myself a half full kind of person.  I try to look at things from the "bright" side of things.  There is ALWAYS  a silver lining, right!?!?

Well, I must admit there are times (more recently) that I haven't been that "positive" type of person.  I know last week I posted that there has been a lot going on in our lives.  And quite honestly, it isn't what I would consider a lot of "positive" things.  However, I realized the past few weeks that my perspecitve is not always what it should be.

Let me share with you an example of  what our family friend, Nathan shared with me today.  I have always considered the town on where I live to be "in-the-middle-of-no-where!"  I am sure those of you who know me well enough hear that, "Thirty minutes in the car is NOTHING!  I drive EVERYWHERE I go.  It takes at least 20 minutes to go ANYWHERE."  As I was driving today our dear friend stated, "You guys live in the BEST PLACE!  You are so close to _____town, _____town, _____town, etc."  In fact, he named 5 places that we are "close" to.  In the 11 years I have lived here, I have never even considered that we are actually 10 - 15 minutes away from these paticular places.  Of course, these are also "small" towns that may or may not offer me any type of service that some of you are able to get in a 10-15 minute trip.  However, as I sat and thought about it...in 10-15 minutes I can go to a swimming pool, get gas, and even pick up a pizza in 3 of the 5 places he mentioned.

Here is just one more example of perspective, that has just slapped me up the side of the head  brought to my attention.  A wonderful woman, who has followed the leading of the Lord, is going to be getting married July 16th.  It such an exciting time in her life.  And as I looked at her gift registry I couldn't help but be reminded by my perspective on needs/wants.  Here is a sample of what my precious friend is asking on her bridal registry:

Spaghetti Server, Nylon Ladle, Whisk, Collander, Spatula Set, Apron, Any type of Seasonings, Levi's Jeans, Zip Lock Bags, & Batteries. 

That's it FOLKS!  No special china, silverware, or stem ware.  You see, this precious lady has been living in Mozambique, Africa as a missionary.  Her new home is exciting for her because she will NOT have a dirt floor. She is ecstatic to have an indoor toilet.  The newlyweds won't have any running water, though.  Which isn't a problem because all that they will need to do is transport the water from a nearby access area and carry it on their heads back to her home.

She is happy and couldn't be any happier!

I don't know where any of you are in your life.  I don't know what you are going through.  Life is tough.  Quite honestly, as I type this message I am burdened beyond words for family members and dear friends that are going through some very major situations right now.  It helps to keep my life in perspective.  Am I doing all that God wants me to do?  Am I living each day to the fullest? 

I have a decision to see the glass as half full or half empty.  What about you?  How is your perspective on things these days?